Fort Lawton is located on the edge of Discovery Park in the Magnolia neighborhood. The 34-acre site had long been under the control of the military. In 2005, the site was deemed surplus, and the city of Seattle began developing plans for its transformation. The main idea was to combine housing with public parks and create a new space for city residents.
From the outset, the project sparked debate. Some Magnolia residents opposed the development and proposed turning the entire area into a park. However, the city emphasized that abandoning the plan would result in the land going to private developers with no guarantees of affordable housing or the preservation of green spaces.
The current plan
The updated version of the project provides for more than 500 residential units of various types. At the same time, nearly 22 acres will be preserved as a public park. Thus, Fort Lawton will become an example of how construction and environmental protection can be combined.
The project includes three key areas:
- About 200 affordable rental apartments;
- Approximately 200 homes for purchase through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity;
- 85-100 units of supportive housing for people transitioning out of homelessness, with the participation of the Chief Seattle Club.
This approach creates a diverse community where families with different incomes and needs can find a place to live.
Environmental and social aspects
To move forward with the project, environmental reviews must be completed. In 2025, a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement was published. The document analyzes the potential impact of construction on Discovery Park’s natural environment and proposes measures to mitigate it…